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Ask the CEO

March 16, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Question: (from many): What do you think of the press release put out by the Florida Pit Bulls?

Answer: I wasn't sure whether to respond or not to these questions. But because there were so many and it has created such interest, I thought I would. Mr. Ford felt it necessary to write the release to hurt the ABA and me personally - and for that I am very sorry. His release was done out of pride, hurt, anger, disappointment. As Vice President of Investor Relations for the ABA and as part of the ABA management team he complains about, he was privy to every meeting and has all inside information about the ABA and its operations. He certainly had the ears of everyone in the ABA and if he had questions and constructive criticism about major restructuring and leadership, he, like everyone in the ABA, had a forum to express his views.

As for the Pit Bulls being favored to win the ABA title, I believe that there are sixteen teams still playing that would take exception to this. The Pit Bulls had a good record, many teams had better records. The reporter in Rochester intepreted my statements to him differently than I meant them. I should have been more careful. I apologize, but reporters are free to report their interviews. In this case, it was hurtful. The real fact is that Montreal paid for the Pit Bulls to play that game and was told that Tim Hardaway would attend. The Pit Bulls did not tell Montreal that Tim would not be there. That created the problem. It is history now.

The ABA did not remove the Florida Pit Bulls from the Playoffs. Mr. Ford called me and advised me that they were not playing in the playoffs. He also sent an email to me on March 6th saying, "I wouldn't say we're folding. We're just making a business decision to move to the NBDL..." He also said that "Tim has a passion for helping young talent, and while there was a lot of talent on our team and in the ABA, he feels that our market would support an NBA-affiliated product a little more than what we offered as an ABA organization."

As Vice President of Investor Relations for the ABA and part of the ABA management team, I felt that it was Mr. Ford's responsibility to tell us of their intentions well before they decided not to play in the playoffs. When Mr. Ford called later or the next day and asked if I would re-instate the Pit Bulls for the playoffs, I saw no reason to reconsider though I felt sorry for his team, for his fans and for his investors. Mr. Ford also said in the March 6th email: "We will not say anything negative about the ABA at all. In fact, I will make sure it's totally positive and show my continued support of the league."

Tim Hardaway's comments are his opinions and he is entitled to them. However, we disagree with him and with the management of the Pit Bulls. The prices for the fans were not ABA affordable, they were the highest in the ABA. The Pit Bulls lost more money than any other team, their attendance was average with many other teams outperforming them at the gate, their community involvement was almost non-existent (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, schools, churches, youth leagues, senior organization, police, fire department, Latino organizations, not-for-profit organizations, military, etc). Their record of 19-9 was ok, but not particularly special. We have great respect for Tim and we wish him well in the future. His heart is still with the NBA, the Heat and Pat Riley. Why shouldn't it be?

My feeling was and is that the Pit Bulls should have concentrated on running their team and following the recommended ABA team model and not trying to run the ABA. There are many other owners in the ABA who are every bit (or more) qualified to give constructive criticism and advice and they do. And we listen.

Fast growth is not easy. Managing a league that has doubled in size every year and will double again next season is not easy. But the ABA is the fastest-growing league ever in the U.S. It is the most diversified professional sports league in the U.S. with more African-American, Hispanic, Asian and women owners than the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, CBA, USBL and NBDL combined. It provides an opportunity for hundreds of players to play, coaches to coach, refs to ref. It provides fan-friendly and affordable sports and entertainment to tens of thousands of parents with children, students, seniors, military, police, fire departments, city workers and others. It has supported not-for-profit organizations with ABA balls, money and merchandise including Katrina and Wilma victims, and it supports the military through its ABA Salute program.

Even with the NBA behind it, the NBDL has left a trail of broken-hearted cities as they have folded teams; so has the CBA and USBL and AFL and others. It is the nature of minor league sports. But when all is said and done - there is only one ABA - and it is the best professional sports league in the U.S. because it holds true to its mission - to provide fast-paced, exciting professional basketball and entertainment at affordable prices - and to give opportunities to those who want to own a professional sports team without preference to race, religion or gender. And that's my answer. If you have a question, please email joenewman@abalive.com.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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